RSV outbreak hospitalizes infants in Panama West province

Four infants aged two to eight months are being treated for bronchiolitis and pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at Hospital Regional Nicolás A. Solano in Panama West. The province has recorded a total of 36 RSV cases, including nine pneumonia cases, but no deaths have been reported locally. Nationwide, health officials have confirmed 13 deaths this year, nine of them among infants.

Lorena Merlo, regional director of epidemiology for Panama's Ministry of Health, said most of the mothers of the affected children did not receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy. The ministry advises vaccination between weeks 32 and 36 of gestation to transfer protective antibodies to newborns, and the vaccine is also offered to adults over 60. Authorities are urging frequent hand‑washing, mask use when coughing, and limiting contact between sick adults and young children to curb transmission.